PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Zoo has welcomed two new residents to its Big Cat Falls exhibit—Rory, a four-year-old female Amur tiger, and Rafferty, an eight-year-old male Amur leopard. Both big cats arrived earlier this summer as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program designed to protect vulnerable species through managed breeding efforts across accredited zoos.
Rory joins the Zoo from the Toledo Zoo under a breeding recommendation with one of the Zoo’s 13-year-old male Amur tigers, Wiz or Dimitri. Rafferty, who previously sired offspring at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in New York, is being paired with 11-year-old female Kira. Zoo officials say the animals are settling in well and hope introductions will lead to future cubs.
“As a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, one of our most important roles is to protect endangered species from extinction,” said Rachel Metz, Vice President of Animal Wellbeing and Conservation. “We are excited to welcome these two beautiful big cats to their new home and are equally excited for our guests to meet them.”
The SSP plays a critical role in preserving species like the Amur tiger and Amur leopard, both of which are native to the Amur River Valley in the Russian Far East. Amur tigers are classified as endangered, with fewer than 500 remaining in the wild, while Amur leopards are listed as critically endangered, with a wild population estimated at under 150.
Rory, born July 20, 2021, weighs nearly 300 pounds and is considered fully grown, though keepers expect her to “fill out” with age. Known for her long whiskers and expressive ears, she enjoys scent-covered toys and frozen enrichment treats.
Rafferty, born February 17, 2017 at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, has already made an impression with his distinctive two-toned eyes and calm curiosity. Zoo staff are keeping a close watch on his eye health while also preparing him for a potential future as a father once paired with Kira.
“Our big cat team has already fallen in love with both Rory and Rafferty,” said Jackie Stone, Assistant Director of Carnivores. “Rory has very expressive ears and loves playing with enrichment items… Rafferty is a curious cat that enjoys interacting with his keepers during training sessions.”
The Philadelphia Zoo has a track record of success with big cat conservation. In 2017, it welcomed Amur tiger cub Zoya, who has since produced two litters of her own at Roosevelt Park Zoo in North Dakota. The Zoo has also bred Amur leopards in the past, including two cubs born in 2000 and 2002.
The Zoo’s current big cat roster includes four Amur tigers (Rory, Wiz, Dimitri, and 18-year-old Koosaka), two Amur leopards (Rafferty and Kira), snow leopards Yuki and Marcy, African lions Makini and Tajiri, and puma siblings Elbroch and Olympia. These animals rotate through the habitats in Big Cat Falls and the Big Cat Crossing Zoo360 trail, offering visitors different viewing opportunities each day.
Guests are encouraged to check activation boards at Big Cat Falls for scheduled feedings and training sessions. While cubs aren’t expected immediately, Zoo officials are optimistic.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we will welcome cubs in the coming years,” said Metz.
With conservation and public education at the forefront of its mission, the Philadelphia Zoo continues to provide sanctuary and hope for some of the world’s most imperiled big cats.
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